These Easy Caprese Skewers are a fresh, flavorful, and elegant appetizer that requires minimal effort. Made with juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, all drizzled with a rich balsamic reduction, these skewers are perfect for parties, gatherings, or even a light snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare
- Uses simple, fresh ingredients
- Perfect for parties, picnics, or appetizers
- Beautiful presentation with minimal effort
- A delicious combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cherry tomatoes
- Mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- Fresh basil leaves
- Balsamic vinegar
- Honey (optional, for a slightly sweeter reduction)
- Salt and black pepper
- Olive oil
- Small skewers or toothpicks
Directions
- Prepare the balsamic reduction: In a small saucepan, heat the balsamic vinegar over medium heat. Add honey if using. Let it simmer until it reduces by half and becomes thick and syrupy. Set aside to cool.
- Assemble the skewers: Thread a cherry tomato onto a skewer, followed by a basil leaf, a mozzarella ball, another basil leaf, and another cherry tomato. Repeat until all skewers are assembled.
- Season and drizzle: Lightly brush or drizzle the skewers with olive oil, then season with salt and black pepper.
- Add the balsamic reduction: Drizzle the cooled balsamic reduction over the skewers just before serving.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 12-15 skewers
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes (for balsamic reduction)
- Total time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Add prosciutto: Wrap a small piece of prosciutto around the mozzarella for extra flavor.
- Use different cheeses: Try marinated mozzarella or feta for a unique twist.
- Make it a salad: Skip the skewers and toss everything together in a bowl.
- Add avocado: For a creamy touch, add small cubes of avocado to the skewers.
- Try a pesto drizzle: Instead of balsamic reduction, drizzle with pesto for a fresh, herby taste.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: These skewers are best served cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is needed.
- Balsamic reduction: If you have extra, store it in a sealed container at room temperature for up to a week.
FAQs
How do I keep the basil from wilting?
Use fresh, firm basil leaves and assemble the skewers just before serving. If prepping in advance, store in the fridge covered with a damp paper towel.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the skewers a few hours ahead, store them in the fridge, and drizzle the balsamic reduction just before serving.
Can I use store-bought balsamic glaze?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a pre-made balsamic glaze works just as well.
What type of mozzarella is best for this recipe?
Mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine) are ideal, but you can also cut fresh mozzarella into small cubes.
Can I use grape tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?
Yes, both work well! Grape tomatoes are slightly firmer, while cherry tomatoes are juicier.
What kind of skewers should I use?
Small wooden skewers or sturdy toothpicks work best for easy serving.
How do I prevent the skewers from drying out?
Lightly brush them with olive oil before refrigerating to keep them fresh.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Fresh basil is recommended for the best flavor and texture, but you can sprinkle dried basil if needed.
Is there a low-carb version?
This recipe is naturally low-carb, but you can reduce the balsamic drizzle to minimize sugar.
Can I grill these skewers?
Yes! Briefly grill them for a warm, smoky twist—just be careful not to overheat the mozzarella.
Conclusion
Easy Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Reduction Drizzle are a fantastic appetizer that brings together fresh, vibrant flavors with a touch of elegance. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as a quick snack, these skewers are sure to impress. Try them with different variations and enjoy a classic Italian-inspired bite!
Print
Easy Caprese Skewers with a Balsamic Reduction Drizzle
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (for the reduction)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 20 skewers 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Caprese skewers are a quick and elegant appetizer, perfect for parties, picnics, or a light snack. Made with fresh basil, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and a tangy balsamic reduction, they are bursting with flavor!
Ingredients
- 20 cherry or grape tomatoes
- 20 mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- 20 fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey (optional, for a sweeter reduction)
- 20 small skewers or toothpicks
Instructions
- Make the balsamic reduction: In a small saucepan, bring the balsamic vinegar to a simmer over medium heat. Add honey if using. Let it reduce by half (about 8-10 minutes) until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Assemble the skewers: Thread one tomato, one basil leaf (folded if large), and one mozzarella ball onto each skewer. Repeat for all skewers.
- Drizzle with olive oil: Arrange the skewers on a serving platter and lightly drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
- Finish with balsamic reduction: Just before serving, drizzle the balsamic reduction over the skewers for extra flavor.
Notes
- For a fun twist, try adding prosciutto or avocado chunks to the skewers.
- If you don’t want to make a reduction, you can use a store-bought balsamic glaze.
- These skewers can be made a few hours in advance and stored in the fridge until serving.
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